Books on Nigeria’s 160 years journalism history to be unveiled December

Two books on Nigeria’s 160 years of journalism history will be launched at a public presentation on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in Lagos.

The books including “The Gatekeepers,” a biographical work featuring 20 Nigerian Editors, columnists and media leaders, and “Nigerian Journalism: 160 Years of Advancing Accountability, Promoting the Public Interest and Speaking Truth to Power,” published by Posperity Media, will be presented at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki area of Lagos State.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Posterity Media’s Founder/CEO, O’Femi Kolawole, high profile Nigerians are expected at the public presentation including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

The Gatekeepers celebrates the inspiring contributions of editors to democracy and public accountability.

On the other hand, Nigerian Journalism is a series of essays and articles by renowned journalists and stakeholders who shared ideas and insights on how to improve journalism practice in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kolawole said some of the editors featured in the books include veteran newspaper chief and former MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Mike Awoyinfa; Editor-in-Chief of Gaskia Media Limited, Dare Babarinsa; Chairman of ThisDay Editorial Board, Olusegun Adeniyi; immediate past editor of The Nation, Gbenga Omotoso; Editor of Vanguard, Eze Anaba.

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Others include Editor of Daily Independent, Don Okere; Editor of Nigerian Tribune, Debo Abdulai; Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of City People, Seye Kehinde; Editor-in-Chief of YES International Magazine, Azuh Arinze; and Editor of Sunday Telegraph, Juliet Bumah among others.

“Editors, journalists and Nigerian media practitioners generally deserve strong commendation for their service to our nation despite the challenging operating environment they operate in.

“However, beyond the accolades, this historic project of commemorating 160 years of Nigerian journalism is to further inspire the media as the fourth estate of the realm, to do a better job of advocating good governance for the betterment of all citizens while also consistently holding public officials to account for their stewardship,” Kolawole stated.

Kolawole said all editors featured in the publication will receive the Special Posterity Media Gatekeepers Award for their patriotic contributions to journalism and development in Nigeria.